Columbus Day, 515 Years Later

Sometimes I wonder what Christopher Columbus thought might happen in the new land he discovered? Did he envision the destruction of the native cultures as a consequence? Did he merely think what he could take from this new place instead of what could be saved?

I think I know the answers to those questions, but I also think they should be asked, at least every year at this time. We should ask them of ourselves too. In that regard, I offer the following thoughts.

On the October 10, 2007 home page, I mentioned two speeches that I outlined, but never presented before in public. Today I publish one of those outlined speeches. I wrote this one back on May 21, 2003.

The Visible Spirit

We are all a complex combination of DNA molecules propelled by a life force:

The life force is felt within us, but rarely observed

The Visible Spirit is the outward expression of that life force

The Visible Spirit is manifested by the convergence of:

Acknowledging those unique aspects of your life, your:

Personality

Intelligence

Sense of humor

Perseverance

Accepting the intrinsic behaviors we all share in common:

Morals

Empathy

Love

Self-doubt

The next progression towards the Visible Spirit is indicated by the diminishing reluctance to inspect our true selves:

Speak openly of our thoughts to trusted friends

Reveal periods of insecurity or other emotional pains

Accept help from whoever offers

Offer compassion to those also in need

Think through each important issue completely several times regardless of how long it takes or how much it may hurt

The synthesis becomes self-apparent when you discover you are evolving in subtle ways:

Disturbing thoughts become less disruptive

You have more energy

Your vocabulary and style of speech becomes more positive

You find yourself relaxed in stressful situations

The Visible Spirit is fully embodied by a transformation over about a year's time:

You speak with words of conviction in a methodical, logical, and convincing manner

Your self-confidence is extremely high

You recognize the equality amongst all people, but differentiate yourself by your own special abilities and forms of delivery

You know you can handle anything life brings your way because your eternal Spirit is now visible to you